This study was to perform a needs analysis among Korean middle school students in order to design an effective notional-functional syllabus. In designing a more effective syllabus for students a needs analysis seems imperative according to the theoretical perspective that productive language teaching has to be based on student’s needs including their proficiency levels, interests, motivation, and so on. Data also should be collected on the needs of their parents and teachers. The participants in this study were composed of 240 students, 35 teachers, and 35 parents, to whom questionnaires were distributed. The essential data were analyzed by the frequency test. This study suggests that the following notions and functions be utilized in the teaching of middle school students in Korea. 1) Communicative notions: hobbies and interests, the internet, computer games and MP3 players, thoughts and opinions, restaurants and dining, movies, performances, and exhibitions, etc. 2) Communicative functions: expressing gratitude, reacting to an expression of gratitude, expressing interest and inquiring about lack of interest, providing reasons, opening a conversation, expressing liking and disliking, etc.
The notions and functions proposed in this study can prove to be very helpful for teachers, syllabus designers, and curriculum developers. It is also hoped that the results of this study in needs analysis will help bring classroom practice into line with learner needs.